Unite negotiates ‘winter warmer’ for Thomas Cook cabin crew

The first year (2017) of the deal will mean an annual increase of 3.2 per cent (based on the February 2017 retail price index) or around £500 a year in basic pay for a typical crew member earning £16,107, back dated to April 2017. The company intends to make the payments into the December pay packets in time for the festive period.

Crew will then get another pay increase in April 2018 in line with the February 2018 retail price index.

Cabin crew working for Thomas Cook Airlines have overwhelmingly voted to accept the two-year pay deal following months of constructive negotiations between Unite and the airline.

Unite regional officer, Mike Gaskell said: “This pay deal is a ‘winter warmer’ which keeps up with inflation and recognises the hard work cabin crew do, day in, day out.

“It’s also good news that workers will receive hundreds of pounds in back pay in time for the festive season. At a time when inflation is on the rise and the economy is challenging, it pays to have a union negotiating pay.”

The Retail Price Index is regarded as a more realistic measure of inflation as it includes changes in housing costs such as council tax, mortgage payments and rent, as well as every day goods and services.

A typical cabin crew member earning £16,107 a year will get a 3.2 per cent increase on their basic pay, and allowances which make makes up a significant proportion of their overall take-home pay. Workers will then get an increase in April 2018 based on February’s 2018 RPI.

Unite members work on flights to major tourist destinations from 10 airports across the UK with its main hub based at Manchester airport.